New Orleans offensive line coach Aaron Kromer is one of three finalists for the head-coaching position at Boston College, according to ESPNís Brett McMurphy.

Notre Dame defensive coordinator Bob Diaco and Ball State coach Pete Lembo are the other finalists.

Kromer served as the Saintsí head coach for the first six games of this season as Sean Payton was suspended for the entire season and assistant head coach Joe Vitt was suspended for the first six games.

Although the Saints started 0-4, Kromer held the team together well enough to at least get back into the playoff picture. Kromer is respected around the league and his name came up in connection with several openings after last season.

Losing Kromer would be a big loss for the Saints. In addition to coaching the offensive line, he also serves as the running game coordinator. The Saints could face plenty of offseason obstacles with their coaching staff.

At the moment, Payton is not under contract for 2013. If Payton somehow leaves the Saints, Kromer could be viewed as a possible replacement, but thatís not going to happen if he already has a job at Boston College.